Code Vein

About Code Vein

Code Vein arrived in late September 2019 from developer Shift and publisher Bandai Namco. This action RPG drops you into a ruined future where skyscrapers stand as grave markers for humanity. You play as a Revenant, a vampire-like survivor fighting inside the hidden sanctuary of Vein. The game launches on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC. It borrows heavily from the Souls formula but adds blood-driven mechanics and a distinct anime aesthetic. Players wield strange powers called Gifts while managing a thirst for blood to avoid losing their humanity to become mindless ghouls.

Gameplay

Sessions involve exploring dark, interconnected zones filled with aggressive enemies and tough bosses. You fight using melee weapons and special Gifts that drain enemy blood to fuel attacks or heal yourself. The core loop requires careful dodging and managing resources rather than spamming buttons. You can summon other players online for co-op missions or drop in as a helper without a full commitment. Progression happens through leveling up and customizing your character build with different skills and equipment. Combat feels weighty, demanding you learn enemy patterns before striking. The game offers a single-player campaign alongside optional multiplayer challenges that alter difficulty scaling.

What Players Think

The PlayPile data shows mixed feelings among players. IGDB lists the title at 72.2 out of 100 based on 195 ratings. Most users spend an average of 25 hours completing the main story, though many linger longer to find secrets. Only 31.2 percent of all players have unlocked every achievement available in the game. The hardest trophy is "Revenant Preeminent," which only 2.00 percent of the community has earned so far. Community moods lean toward frustrated but engaged, with frequent comments about the game being easier than its inspirations. Players often discuss the difficulty of specific boss encounters while sharing build strategies for the Blood Codes system.

PlayPile's Take

This title is worth your time if you want a slightly more accessible entry point into the genre without sacrificing depth. At a historical low of $7.65 on GameBillet, the price makes it an easy pick for budget hunters. The 43 achievements provide plenty of extra goals beyond the main story. You should expect a solid challenge with some repetitive elements and a story that feels rushed at times. Don't play this if you hate grinding or need a deep narrative experience. Grab it now while the price stays low to see if the combat style fits your preferences.

Storyline

In the not too distant future, a mysterious disaster has brought collapse to the world as we know it. Towering skyscrapers, once symbols of prosperity, are now lifeless graves of humanity’s past pierced by the Thorns of Judgment. At the center of the destruction lies a hidden society of Revenants called Vein. This final stronghold is where the remaining few fight to survive, blessed with Gifts of power in exchange for their memories and a thirst for blood. Give into the bloodlust fully and risk becoming one of the Lost, fiendish ghouls devoid of any remaining humanity. Wandering aimlessly in search of blood, the Lost will stop at nothing to satisfy their hunger. Team up and embark on a journey to the ends of hell to unlock your past and escape your living nightmare in CODE VEIN.